SPS researchers involved in Scotland’s first Bairns Hoose to support children who experience abuse and violence
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For the first time, children and young people who experience abuse and violence will be able to get all the protection, care, justice, and recovery support they need under one roof, as the Children 1st Bairns Hoose opens in the west of Scotland. A team of Social Work researchers from the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science (SPS) are among partners working on the project.
Led by Children 1st, Scotland’s national children’s charity, and funded thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the Children 1st Bairns Hoose offers children immediate, joined-up support from the moment they disclose they have been harmed. It has been developed in partnership with Victim Support Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, Children England and local partners from statutory agencies in North Strathclyde.
The Bairns Hoose received £1.5 million from the Postcode Dream Fund, which was raised entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The Hoose has been designed in a trauma-sensitive way to feel safe and welcoming so that children feel at ease as they give evidence, receive medical care, take part in child protection processes and get support to recover from their experiences. It is based on an internationally renowned approach first developed in Iceland, called Barnahus.
Members of the child’s family will also get support to understand what has happened to their child and how best to help them through it.
Up to 280 children, young people and members of their family from across the North Strathclyde area will come through the Children 1st Bairns Hoose each year as part of an initial child protection and concern investigation process.
As the first of its kind, the Children 1st Bairns Hoose will test new ways of protecting children and providing the crucial support they need to recover from trauma caused by abuse and harm.
Professor John Devaney, Head of School at SPS and one of the Social Work researchers involved in the project, said: “The School of Social and Political Science is delighted to have been a partner on this exciting and important initiative. Alongside ensuring that children and families receive responsive and high-quality support at a time of crisis, we are pleased to be adding to the growing international evidence base about how professionals and services can respond effectively to various types of child abuse and neglect.”